Counter.



PATENTED NOV. 29, 1904.l

C. H. VEEDBR.

COUNTER.

APrLiuA'rIoN FILED APB. 2, 1903.

2 SHEETS-snm 1.

N() MODEL.

Inv@ m50?" No. 776,099. EETENTED Nov. 29, 1904. o. E. VEEDEE.

COUNTER.

APPLICATION FILED APB. 2, 1903.

No MODEL. 2 SHEETS-SHEET a.

i UMTEDd STATES Patented November 2t), 1904.

PATENT OFFTCE.

CURTISHUSSEY VERDER, OF HARTFORD, CONN ECTICU T, ASSIGNOR TO THE VERDER MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF HARTFORD, CON NECTICU'I, A CORPORATION OF CONNECTICUT.

COUNTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 776,039, dated November 29, 1904.

I Application filed April 2, 1903. Serial No. 150,713. (No model.)

To all whom, t 'ln/ty concer/t:

Be it known that I, CURTIS I-IUssEY VEEDER, a citizen of the United States, residing' in the city of Hartford, county of Hartford, State of Connecticut, `have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Counters, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying' drawings, forming a part hereof.

This invention relates to counters or registerswsuch as cycIOmeterS, revolution counters, and other devices of like general character#in which is employed a series of number-wheels each one of which as it completes a revolution advances the next wheel in succession one space.

The invention is more particularly concerned with count-ers or registers of this class which require to be set back to Zero from time to time, and has for its object to provide improved means for effecting such setting' back of the number-wheels, such improved means providing for ready release of the number-wheels, so that it is possible to setY them to Zero, for the setting of the number-wheels to Zero without requiring any wheel of the series to have more than one rotation, and for a positive stopping of each number-wheel at Zero.

Other features of improvement and advantages will also appear hereinafter as the nature of the invention is more fully explained.

In the accompanying drawings, in which, for purposes of explanation of the invention, is illustrated a convenient and g practical embodiment thereof, Figure l is a longitudinal central section of the improved counter. Fig. 2 is ,an end view of the same with the cap removed, the actuating-shaft being shown in section. Fig. 3 is a transverse section on the irregular plane indicated by the line 3 3 of Fig. l, the lower portion of the approximate supporting-block and number-wheel being represented as broken away. Fig. skis a horizontal section on the irregular plane indicated by the line 4 4 of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a detail side view showing the lower portion of one of the supporting-blocks and a number- Aand incloses the counting mechanism.

wheel with the transmitting-pinion lookir in the direction of the arrow shown on Fi 6. Fig. 6 is a detail View showing in sid elevation the lower portion of one of the sup porting-blocks and in longitudinal section th` lower portion of each of two adjacent num4A ber-wheels.

In the construction which is chosen for illustration in the drawings as an 'embodimeint of the invention a case A, having a removalnl-L cap (t and a sight-opening, as at a7. supports The actuating-shaft B, which in this case is represented as an oscillating shaft adapted to be actuated from some reciprocating part through an arm Y), has a bearing in the cap ft and at its inner end is provided with a suitable head to carry the drive-pawls if, which engage the internal ratchet-teeth of the first number-wheel C. The several numberwheels, three of which are shown at C, CQ and C2, are supported for rotation upon a cylindrical hub which is movable longitudinally, as hereinafter described, and for convenience is made up in the construction shown of three blocks or sections D, D, and D2, respectively. These blocks or sections are secured firmly together when assembled by suitable bolts E, as clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 4;, and are mounted to have limited movement in a longitudinal direction upon pins F, which are formed with or rigidly secured to the inner SO head of the casingA and support at their free ends a guard-plate or keeperf, being' preferably riveted thereto, as clearly shown in Fig. 4. The guard-plate or keeper f is preferably provided with hold-pawls f/ (shown in Figs. l and 2) to engage the internal ratchet-teeth of the first num ber-wheel C, before mentioned. One section of the cylindrical block is recessed to form a seat for a spring f, which is cofiued between the guard-plate or keeperf and the opposite end of said recess and acts normally to thrust the bearing-block toward the left in Figs. I and 4 or away from the guardplate or keeper f. The bearingblock is moved in the opposite direction when the wheels are to be set at Zero, as hereinafter which operates substantially in the usual maneesses in the bearing-block upon a pin g, each pinion being provided with a series of teeth next number wheel in succession.

transmitting-p1mons, as will be observed, are irranged to move longltudinally with the o of one number-wheel and the gear-teeth of inafter refer-red to.

4o its zero position, the locking-ring being pro- 'partial rotation of such pinion as the lockingring passes through its zero 4position in the number-wheel. -Each number-wheel is also I i, engagement of the internal gear-teeth f/i with pinion.

described. by any suitable device adapted to be executed from the exterior of the case. As shown in Figs. l and il., the rear face of l the section D2 is formed with a cam-like projection c, with which cooperates a rotatable head c, aaving a cam slot or groove and mounted in a bearing in the end of the casing (t to be oscillated when required by a suitable arm or lever c2, the action of the rotary head c forcing forward the bearing-block against the tension of the springf So far as concerns the transmitting mechanism between successive number-wheels, all of the number-wheels are constructed alike, and motion is transmitted from one numberwheel to the other b v a transmitting-pinion ier.- The transmitting-pinions (shown at G in Figs. l, 3, and 5) are supported within rey for cooperation with the locking-ring hereinafter referred to and with a series of teeth f/i for cooperation with the gear-teeth of the These bearing-block, and consequently to move longitudinally with respect to the locking-ring the next number-wheel, the purpose of such movement being to release each number-wheel from the next, so that it can be revolved freely to its Zero position by the devices here- Each number-wheel is i formed with an internal locking-ring which cooperates with the teeth g of the transmitting-pinion to hold the same from rotation,

except as the number-wheel passes through vided at one point with a notch 0*, which is adapted to receive the next advancing tooth of the transmitting-pinion and to permit of a provided with two teeth e (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3 and in full lines in Fig. 5) to i cooperate with the teeth g2 of the transmiti 5o ting-pinion, these teeth c5 being on opposite sides of the notch c", above referred to, but in a different plane, so that as the number- 1 wheel passes through its zero position it will eect a partial rotation of the transmitting- Such partial rotation of the trans" mitting-pinion will effect a partial rotation of the next number-wheel through the engagement of the teeth g2 or longitudinal extensions 1 thereof with the driving-teeth g3 of the next l 6o number-wheel, these driving-teeth g3 being 1 quite narrow, as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 6, in order that they may be cleared by the teeth of the transmitting-pinion when the latter are moved longitudinally with the beari ing-block, leaving each number-wheel free to l i turned to Zero by the resetting device.

be turned independently of the next numberwheel.

To effect the rotation of the several number-wheels to Zero when they have been released, as just described, resetting-pinions H, H', and are provided, being mounted in recesses in the bearing-block so as to move longitudinally therewith upon a resetting-shaft l, which is partially squared or otherwise formed so as to rotate said resetting-pinions. Each resetting-pinion is provided with teeth /1/ to engage internal gear-teeth /t of the corresponding number-wheel, such teeth /1/ being omitted at one point, as at 7a2, corresponding to the Zero position of the number-wheel, so that as soon as each number-wheel has been moved to its '/.ero position by the rotation of the corresponding resetting-pinion it shall then cease to be in operative engagement with said resetting-pinion, whereby the further rotation of the resetting-shaft I to move other numbering-wheels to their respective zero positions, if necessary, is permitted. lt will be observed that the teeth /e/ of the transmittingpinion and the corresponding teeth /lf of the number-wheel are quite narrow and are open at their approximate ends, so that longitudinal movement of the resetting-pinions into and out of engagement on the numberingwheels is permitted. The resetting-shaft vll is provided outside of the casing with a suitable thumb-wheel z', and at its extremity within the casing it may be provided with a guardpin e, while the last resetting-pinion of the series may be secured to the shaft by a pin fig.

" At its rear end the resetting-pinion HZ may be provided with a projecting pin or stud /17 to enter, when the shaftl is moved to the left with the bearing-block, one of several suitably-placed recesses (t3 in the end of the casing A, so that the shaft, and consequently the bearing-block and the parts carried by it, may not move toward the left under the inliuence of the spring ,fi except when the numberwheels which have just been rotated by the shaft I are in proper position to permit the the corresponding teeth of the transmittingpinion Gr.

Upon the bearing-block, in position for cooperation with each number-wheel, is a fixed stop-tooth (Z, which when the bearing-blocl i is moved to the right in Figs. 1 and 4 is moved into the path of the teeth The position of each stop d, (shownin full lines in Figs. 3, and 6 and in dotted lines in Fig. l, since it 1s on the side of the plane of section of said ligure toward the observen) 1s such as to prevent the further movement of the. corresponding numbering-wheel as soon as it has been Thus, although each number-wheel is disengaged from its resetting-pinion as soon as it reaches its zero position, by reason of the blank at /z/Z, as shown in Fig. 3, any further movement of thenumber-wheelbyreason of its momentum vices and engagement ot' the resetting deis thus positively prevented.

The operation of the numberwheels in counting is substantially the same as any other counting device of like general character and need not be further explained herein. Whenever it is desired to reset the number of wheels to Zero, the arm or lever c2 is moved to turn the head c/ and through the action of the cam-tongue c2 to thrust the bearing-block and the parts carried by it toward the right against the tension of the spring f2. This movement of the bearing-block moves the transmitting-pinions out of engagement with ,i

the driving teeth in successive number-wheels, while permlttmg such transmitting pinions to remain in operative engagement with the respective locking-rings c3. Each numberwheel now being free to be turned independl ently of the other number-wheels, the shaft I is rotated until each number-wheel has been moved to its Zero position. It will be observed that in order to accomplish this result any number-wheel shall receive no more than a single rotation and as each numberwheel reaches its zero position it ceases to have operative engagement with its resettingpinion and at the same time is stopped in exact position by the collision of one of its teeth 05 with the corresponding stop (Z. It Will furthermore loe observed that the movement of each number-wheel in resetting is in a forward direction, so that the direct and positive engagement of the actuating devices with the iirst number-wheel does not require to be altered or modified.

Although a particular and specific construction has been described herein as an embodiment oi the invention, it will be understood that it is not intended thereby to limit the invention to the precise construction and arrangement of parts shown and described herein.

I claim as my inventionl. In a counter, the combination'of a series of number-wheels, transmitting devices between successive wheels, resetting devices adapted for engagement with said wheels and means to produce relative longitudinal movement of said wheels and the said transmitting and resetting devices to effect disengagement of the transmitting' devices and engagement of the resetting devices, substantially as shown and described.

2. In acounter, the combination of a series of number-Wheels, transmitting devices between successive. wheels, resetting devices adapted for engagement with said wheels, means whereby each wheel is disengaged from the resetting devices as it reaches a predetermined position, and means to producerelative longitudinal movement of said wheels and the said transmitting and resetting devices to effect disengagement of the transmitting devices, substantially as shown and described.

3. In a counter, the combination of a series of number-wheels, transmitting devices between successive wheels, resetting devices adapted for engagement with said wheels, means whereby each wheel is disengaged trom the resetting devices as it reaches a predetermined position, a relatively fixed stop adapted to be made to stand in the path ot a projection on the wheel, and means to produce relative longitudinal movement ot' said wheels and the said transmitting and resetting devices to effect disengagement oi' the transmitl ting devices and engagement ot' the resetting devices, substantially as shown and described.

4. In a counter, the combination of a pair of number-wheels, one having a locking-ring and the other having a relatively narrow gear, a transmitting-pinion having relatively wide teeth engaging the locking-ring and having teeth engaging said driving-gear, and means to produce relative longitudinal movement otl said number-wheels and said transmitting-pinion, whereby the disengagement ot' the transmltting-pinion from the driving-gear is eifected while the pinion is held from rotation by engagement with the locking-ring, substantially as shown and described.

5. The combination of a series ot' numberwheels, each having a resetting-gear with a blank, a corresponding series of resetting-pinions adapted to engage said wheels respectively, a common resetting-shaft carryingsaid resetting-pinions, a corresponding series of stops, and means to cause the stops to stand in the respective paths of projections on said wheels, whereby as each wheel is brought to a predetermined position it is released from said resetting-pinion and movement ot' the wheel through such predetermined position is prevented, substantially as shown and described.

6. The combination of a series ot' numberwheels held from longitudinal movement, one wheel of each pair in succession being provided with driving means and a locking-ring and the other wheel of such pair being provided with a driving gear, corresponding transmitting-pinions each engaging with the driving means and the locking-ring of one wheel and with the driving-gear of the next wheel, and means to shift said transmittingpinion longitudinally to disengage it from one of said engaged parts while the engagement of said pinion with the other of said engaged parts is maintained, substantially as shown and described.

7. The combination of a series of numberwheels held from longitudinal movement, one wheel of each pair in succession being provided with driving means and a locking-ring and the other wheel of such pair being provided with a driving gear, corresponding IOO IIO

transmitting-pinions each engaging with the driving' means and the locking-ring of one Wheel and with the driving-gear of the next Wheel, and means to shift said transmittingpinion longitudinally to disengage it :from said drivinggears While the engagement of said pinion with the locking-ring is maintained, substantially as shown and described.

8. The combination of a series of numberwheels held from longitudinal movement, one Wheel of each pair in succession being provided with driving means and a locking-ring and the other wheel of such pair being' provided With a drivinggear, corresponding transmitting-pinions each engaging' with the driving means and the locking-ring oi' one Wheel and with the driving-gear of the next wheel, said locking-ring being' relatively wide and said driving-gear being' relatively narrow, and means to shift said transmittingpinion longitudinally to disengage it from said driving-gears while it is held from rotation by said locking-ring, substantially as shown and described.

9. rlhe combination of a series of numberwheels, a longitudinally-movable block within said wheels, a transmitting-pinion for each successive pair of Wheels, said pinion being mounted in a recess in said block, and means to move said block to disengage said pinion from one of said wheels,substantially as shown and described.

10. The combination of aseries of number- Wheels, a cylindrical, longitudinally-movable blocl; supporting said wheels, a transmittingpinion for each successive pair of wheels mounted in a recess in said block, and means to move said block to disengage said pinion from one of said Wheels,substantially as shown and described.

ll. The combination of a casing, a series ot' number-Wheels, pins projecting interiorly from one end of said casing, a cylindrical,

` longitudinally-movable block mounted onsaid supporting said wheels, a transmitwheels,

pins and ting-pinion for each successive pair of said pinion being mounted in a recess in said block, and means to move said block to disengage said pinion Afrom one of said wheels, substantially as shown and described.

12. rl`he combination of a series of number- Wheels, having each a relatively wide lockingring and a relatively narrow driving-gear, a longitudinally-movable cylindrical block supporting said wheels. a transmitting-pinion Vfor each successive pair ot' wheels adapted lor engagement with said relatively Wide lockingring and said relatively narrow driving-gear, and means to move said block, substantially as shown and described.

13. rlhe combina-tion of a series ot' number- Wheels, a longitudinally-momble block witl in said Wheels, transmitting and resetting pinions mounted in recesses in said block and adapted to engage said wheels, and means to move said block to disengage said pinion from one of said wheels, substantially as shown and described.

la. The combination ot' a series of numberwheels, a longitudinally-movable block witl in said wheels, a series of stops carried by said block and adapted to engage said nurnber-wheels to prevent movement thereof, and means to move said block to cause said stops to stand in operative relation with said wheels, substantially as shown and described.

l5. The combination of a casing, a series ol: number-wheels, guide rods or pins supported within said casing, transmitting-pinions in operative relation with said wheels. a longitudinally-movable bloclsupporting said transmitting-pinions, a spring normally pressing said blocl; in one direction,and means to move said block in opposition to said spring to disengage the transmitting-pinion, substai'itially as shown and described.

This specilication signed and witnessed this 30th day ot' March, A. l). 1903.

CUltTlb HUSSEY VEEDER.

In presence of t W. B. GREELEY, M. A. BRAYLEY. 

